as National Total Hits 102,025Lagos State has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the country, according to fresh data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, raising concerns about the ongoing challenge of controlling the epidemic despite years of prevention efforts.

A total of 102,025 new HIV infections were documented across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, per the State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025. Lagos led with 10,430 new cases, followed by Rivers State (6,287) and Kano State (6,106).

Other states with significant new infections in the top 10 included Akwa Ibom (5,413), Taraba (4,854), Benue (4,804), Anambra (4,468), Kaduna (3,659), Adamawa (2,989), and the FCT (2,764). Several additional states reported over 2,000 new cases each, highlighting a concentrated burden in certain regions.

The report underscores that while Nigeria has achieved notable progress in HIV management compared to previous decades—through expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and awareness campaigns—the 2025 figures indicate the epidemic is far from over. Health experts point to factors such as population density in urban centers like Lagos, high mobility, and gaps in consistent prevention and testing as contributors to the state’s leading position.

Officials and advocacy groups have called for intensified, targeted interventions, including scaled-up testing, education on safe practices, and sustained funding for treatment programs to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. Stakeholders warn that declining external support could reverse hard-won gains if not matched by increased domestic investment.

This data comes amid broader efforts by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and state agencies to strengthen surveillance and response strategies. Public health authorities urge Nigerians to prioritize regular testing, condom use, and adherence to treatment for those living with the virus.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that the Federal Government’s support for small-scale traders extends beyond ‘akara’ sellers to include tomato and pepper sellers across the country.

Speaking at an event, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering various categories of informal traders and food vendors.

“Not only ‘akara’, FG also supports tomato, pepper sellers,” she stated.

The First Lady’s remark appears to address recent discussions and criticisms regarding government intervention programmes for petty traders. She highlighted that initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses cover a wide range of essential food items and vendors, including those dealing in tomatoes and peppers, which are staple commodities in Nigerian markets.

Mrs. Tinubu reassured citizens that the administration remains focused on inclusive economic support for vulnerable groups and market women. She noted that such interventions are designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and promote self-reliance among small-scale entrepreneurs.

The statement has sparked reactions on social media, with many commending the First Lady’s direct engagement while others called for more visible and widespread implementation of the support programmes.

Photo: Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

The umbrella body of Muslims community in Nigeria (Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act before Muslims ‘run out of patience’.

According to the NSCIA,the community’s continued restraint amid what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation should not be mistaken for weakness.

The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that those responsible for what it described as heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.

“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization,” the council said.

The council urged the authorities to rein in what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying that was essential to preserving peace and national cohesion.

“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement added.